We live such busy lives. We work hard to earn a living, while we build a sense of family & home. We spend time developing friendships & engaging in hobbies & past-times. However, all too often we rush to fit so much of what others expect of us into our lives that we miss out on how we are personally feeling in the moment… being mindful of ourselves & being present when we spend time with the people we care for. 

Do we notice when we wake up on a work day if we feel well-rested, or savor that first smell of coffee brewing to start our day? As we leave for work do we notice the crisp feeling of autumn in the morning air & appreciate the change of seasons? When we eat with our friends or family, do we notice the small things like the crinkles that happen when we laugh?

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment- with purpose. It is the practice of embracing the moment for what it is & doing it without judgment- & it can be a great tool to de-stress & improve overall happiness.

So savor the pleasures in life as they occur & become fully engaged in those activities that bring joy. Leave the cell phone home, grab your family & friends & take a walk in the park, hold hands, connect to the world you are in- be in the moment. Leave concerns & distractions aside, they don’t belong to these moments of mindfulness. Breathe deeply the perfection of right now in this moment. Fully participate in your life & invest in yourself, then be rewarded with a richer, more meaningful daily life.

Because it isn't what we have in life, it's who we have in our life that matters.